Marital abuse has always been a longstanding issue in Bangladesh. In a conservative society like ours, most women fail to speak up for their rights. As a result, they continue to fall prey to domestic abuse. However, all is not lost; here’s the first legal step towards ending the oppression
What legal steps can a woman take if they suffer from domestic violence?
Under the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2010 as well as the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Rules 2013, any victim of domestic violence or any other person on his/her behalf shall inform the matter by writing or by orally or by telephone or by email to the concerned police officer/ enforcement officer of the area. Alternatively, the victim can apply to the court to get remedy and once the applications are submitted to the court and the court, shall fix up the date of hearing within 7 (seven) working days after receiving the application.
The court may conduct the proceedings in camera. On the basis of the victim’s application, the court may issue residence orders, custody order, protection order or compensation order. The court if satisfied by examining the documents that the accused has committed or possibility of committing or abetting to commit domestic violence, then interim protection order may be issued against the accused and simultaneously a show cause notice to the accused to reply within 7 (seven) working days may also be issued.
If there is any personal injury or financial loss or trauma or psychological damage or damage to movable or immovable property or any possibility of such damage or loss as a result of domestic violence, he/she may file a claim for compensation. The court shall dispose of the application submitted within 6 (six) months.
**End of Series 1
** This question was answered by Barristers Syeda Faiza Hossain, Sarjean Rahman Lian, Anam Hossain at Fox Mandal Associates.